Bald Eagle slaying in Maggie Valley prompts reward offer

A bald eagle was shot and killed at the Maggie Festival Grounds, a large open field off the main drag through town, in early May.

A reward of up to $2,500 is offered to anyone for information leading to a conviction of the person responsible for killing the eagle. U.S. Fish and Wildlife and the N.C. Wildlife Commission are investigation the shooting.

Bullet fragments were removed from the carcass. The eagle was an immature bald eagle and lacked the characteristic adult white head and tail feathers.

Bald eagles were taken off the endangered species list in 2007, but are still protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Violations carry a fine of up to $100,000 and up to one year in federal prison.

Anyone with information should call Special Agent Tom Chisdock with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement at 828.258.2084 or Captain Greg Daniels with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission at 828.337.9425.